CEA Nursing Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate medication to prescribe for a patient suspected of having community-acquired pneumonia?

1. Cephalexin

2. Cefuroxime (Ceftin)

3. Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

4. Metronidazole

The correct answer is: Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

In cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the first-line treatment often includes antibiotics that are effective against common pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the leading cause of pneumonia in adults. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that is highly effective against these pathogens and is therefore a preferred choice for uncomplicated CAP. Its ability to cover typical bacteria associated with pneumonia makes it an appropriate medication to start treatment, particularly for patients who have no significant comorbidities or recent antibiotic use. Other choices, while useful in different contexts, may not target the most common bacteria responsible for CAP as effectively. Cephalexin is more suitable for skin infections or urinary tract infections rather than pneumonia. Cefuroxime, although it has a broader spectrum, is often recommended for more complicated cases or when patients have specific risk factors. Metronidazole is primarily used for anaerobic infections or certain parasitic infections instead of typical bacterial pneumonia. Therefore, Amoxicillin stands out as the most directly effective treatment option for community-acquired pneumonia in a typical patient scenario.